9 Years

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

9 years ago today a friend called to tell me someone had dumped 3 adorable doxies at the animal shelter where she worked, during the night. I will never forget their little faces in that kennel all pressed together looking hopefully out down the aisle with their tails wagging furiously. I took them home just to "foster" them and help find them good homes, the boy went to a local lady, Sophie went to Rich and Deb and Hallie stayed with me. Those 9 years went by in the blink of an eye but I can't imagine what I'd be doing now without her. 

I had a big day planned for us but she's been under the weather the last few days, she yelped when she rolled over to get up 3 mornings ago and held her back leg up which often precurses a back episode, she's been acting lethargic a bit for several days and now today we were up most of the night running her out t the yard with the squirts! Poor baby. So no special treats or walkies or outings, we are going to hunker down and stay put. The bright side is I cancelled her vet appointment for her allergy shot until she is better so she got out of that!  :thumb:

I was going to call her Zookie in the beginning, short for Zuchinni the Weenie but she seemed more like a Hallie to me. 

Also lost my Dad 5 years ago, Hallie has really helped me thru a lot the last 9 years!

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Some pictures of the best Dad in the world! 

[Roberta]

now that was a naked Haillie..............does not seem that long. Happy foreve day Ms H AKA Princess.

As for you Dad I can see where the bean pole came from.  I think Dad's are the really only man in us girls lifes, I know mine was and still is.
Dee Dee don't get to down to-day....................he will still be watching along you along with a few other  Dad's wondering why we are doing THAT, that way............
Love you both
Roberta Amy and Oliver

[Madderoos Mom]

The happy and sad, huh? 

Has it been NINE YEARS since you brought home Miss Hallie Berry Butt?  You found three treasures that day and shared the wealth by distributing your finds liberally.  I'm so happy that you kept that little black fuzzy treasure for yourself.  Happy Gotcha Day, Hallie!

It's so hard when we lose a loved one.  I pray that you think good memories of your Dad today.  Was that a picture of his Jody I saw in your picture collage? 

HUGS to you, my friend.

PS....Hallie and I must be on the same wavelength.  I'm hunkered up with my back too.  T'aint no fun.

[Brekkesmom]

My, how time flies! DD - I didn't realize your dad was in the Navy, too!  My dad was stationed in Greenland, the Phillipines, Korea, and somewhere around Japan, after serving in Norfolk and Pensacola, before shipping out.  I love the shot of Hallie looking up adoringly at your dad...

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

LOL Roberta yes that is definitely where the bean pole came from! The bean doesn't fall far from the vine I guess. I agree Dad's are pretty special! I'm glad you had a good one too, not everyone is so lucky which is sad. She was nakedy in the beginning wasn't she she almost had a wiry coat then now it's as soft as cotton candy. Sophie had long darling curls from the beginning.

Oh no Sandy are you really suffering with your back today?  I'm so sorry. I hope you feel better fast, do you have any good drugs for it, heat or cold?
You have a good memory, there are 3 pictures of Jody in there. One on his lap with my sisters little girl where they are sleeping in the chair, one where he's kneeling Jody on the left, my Jessie on the right and the other she is riding in the wheelbarrow.

That is so cool your Dad was in the Navy Julia. They really got to travel, not as fun as vacation travel but cheaper! Hallie adored my Dad and vice versa, she was good for him luckily his alzheimers had kicked in pretty good when he lost Jody, he didn't even seem to realize she was gone, when he lost our Sam it about did him in so I'm glad he was spared that with Jody.

[David C.]

Wow.  Hard to believe it has been 9 years.   I remember when we used to send you rays to try to get you back into dachshund ownership.   It took about three years, but when the dogapult takes aim, it seldom misses, and this one was a triple-strike:  Three dachshunds, three forever homes.

...and what a wonderful tribute to your father.   The pictures alone tell the story of a man who lived life to the fullest, while serving his country and community along the way.  You can't do much better than that with our limited time on this planet.

Is the airplane in the picture an Ercoupe?   They were made in Riverdale, Maryland, which was right around the corner from the University of Maryland.   There were always a bunch of them at the College Park Airport. 

[Teresa]

It's hard to believe it's been five years that your dad has been gone. I remember when he was so sick, but would still recognize Hallie. I'm glad you had such a great relationship with him. I have been blessed with a wonderful relationship with my dad and Meg has the same with the Randy.
I hope Hallie bounces back and feels better soon. Must be something in the air. Schatzi isn't herself either. I'm thinking she may have a tooth bothering her but she was better this evening. Randy says he thinks she has made her jaws sore from barking at our neighbor so much (they have a young guy living with them right now who rides a bike and she HATES his bike!). I'm going to see how she is tomorrow and probably get her checked out.
Spend some time cuddling with Hallie and thinking on the best of times with your dad.

[Dr. Beau Leaky]

AHEM . . . - is that Fred the "Lap Dog?"

Dr. L.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

You got that right David, no one can escape the dogapult when it takes aim! I was 4 years without a dog but 3 on the board. Thanks on my Dad, he really was a great guy, great sense of humor too. Yes that is an ercoupe! I am surprised you recognized it. I didn't know they were made in MD, very interesting. Both my Dad and my brother got their pilot's licenses, and this was one of our planes when I was growing up, we always only had one at a time but I think we had 5-6 total. I could have tried for my license but I was much more into my horses, although after we were in the air, my Dad would let me take over and fly to where we were going then he'd land. We'd always bring our doxie Sam along for the trip.

I had forgotten that Teresa, that Dad always recognized Hallie. I am glad you and Meg also have good relationships with your Dad's too many don't. Hallie seems to be feeling much better thanks! I am "guardedly relieved" :) She is barking out her window right now. I am so sorry to hear Schatzi isn't herself it's frustrating when we know something is wrong but not sure what it is. I hope she will bounce back and won't need to go see the Doc about it. I wonder about teeth a lot too it's so hard to tell if they have a sore one. Let us know how she does!

You are very observant Dr. Leaky, yes that is Fred the 150 lb lap dog sitting on Grampa's lap. 

[sollysmom]

Happy Belated Gotcha Day Miss Hallie.  Hilde and I hope you feel better soon and are able to enjoy your special treats!!  Tell mom not to forget the EGGIES!

Dee Dee, here's to your dad.  Sounds like a really great guy. 

Darcel & Hilde

[Barb]

WOWZA - 9 yrs !!!  I remember is so clearly - we were all so thrilled for you.... and STILL ARE !!!!  Happy Gotcha Day sweetie (sorry to be a day late).

LOVE the collage of the pics of your dad...... 

[JetEd73]

More evidence that I'M RIGHT :thumb:!

RESCUE DOGS ROCK BABY

You didn't save 1 you saved 3. 
One is a damn good job
That's help, real help to the dogs AND to other humans.
One rescue is all I ask anyone to do, if possible, just one.
You did 3, your own dog and 2 others you found homes for.

Not many people have the ability and compassion required to follow through with such an act.

You've been Blessed...and you shared that Blessing.

I love to see those qualities in people

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks Darcel he really was. We won't forget the eggies I had planned them for yesterday but am waiting now for her tummy to be 100%. She is feeling really good  :thumb: but she did have a tummy ache this morning so will take it easy on her tum for another day or so.

Haven't those 9 years flown by Barb kind of scary!! Wish we could go back and start them over again. 

Thanks JetEd, there were actually 4 rescued, me and the three dogs, I put myself in with that group I think I needed Hallie even more than she needed me.     It makes me crazy now to picture someone loading up these 3 wonderful doxies and driving them down to the shelter, and dropping them in the night box not knowing what their fate might be. (but glad they did or I wouldn't have crossed paths with them). I do all I can to make it up to her and give her the happiest life I am able to.  They give back so much more.

[Delia and girls]

Hallie was so very cute!!! And grew up to be so very beeeooootifool!!! I'm so glad you 2 found each other. I had forgotten you thought about naming her Zookie. I think by the time you got around to thinking about names, I was just glad you got there!!!! I think she looks more like a Hallie too.

What a thoughtful, wonderful tribute to your Dad. You were lucky to have such a special man for a father. Just like all the other treasures in this life - they are hard to loose but wouldn't have missed having them in our lives for anything.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Yes! And I'm glad you and Ron and Gretch and Ilsa got to meet him too. Too bad it wasn't before that awful alzheimers though.

She is definitely a Hallie isn't she, when I was telling my Dad the names I was thinking of for her, when I got to "Hallie" he said "Hallelujah!" So that was the one.

[papbouv]

Hope Miss Halie gets to feeling better really quick she has eggies to eat Rays & Hugs.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks Papbouv she seems to be feeling like a million bucks again thank goodness!  Unfortunately my eggs had just expired so she didn't get eggies today, I want to be sure her back is fine before taking her out much so we haven't gone to the grocery store yet but we'll do that tomorrow.

[papbouv]

If you are still on the computer check out the Friesian Horse Gelding on Petoftheday.com   6/18/2010 he will knock your sock s off.

[Dr. Beau Leaky]

Unfortunately my eggs had just expired so she didn't get eggies today, I want to be sure her back is fine before taking her out much so we haven't gone to the grocery store yet but we'll do that tomorrow.

AHEM . . .
WHOA!  WHOA!  WHOA!!  :meme: HOLD ON THERE AUNTIE DEEDEE!!!!!!
Um, er, that is, We'll have eggies catered, won't we, everyone!!!  Don't you worry a thing about it!!!  DON'T COOK!!  I mean, don't take time away from cuddling your precious little Hallie to cook!!  We'll get the eggies there in a wink!!


Dr. Gordon Ramsey Leaky

(Quick, before she tries to light the stove - somebody do SOMETHNG!!)

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

I got to see it Papbouv what a STUNNER!! Gorgeous horse. Very sad story about his mom though I can't imagine having to give up my furkid. That is one beautiful breed for sure. Thanks for the link!

LOL Dr. Leaky...disaster has temporarily been diverted I haven't had a chance to go to the grocery store yet! We're livin' off yogurt and naners!  Mebbe I should think about an all raw diet for both Hallie and me eh? (mebbe not, I'm sure I'd find a way to give us both a nasty bug that way too lol)

[cheryl186]

Happy Belated Gotcha Day Miss Hallie...I sure am glad you are feeling better!!!  Wonderful pictures of your daddy Dee Dee....I know today is a hard day for me too....God Bless you both!  Cheryl

[klsb]

Aw Hallie you hit the Jackpot big time! I dont think there is a single person in the world who could have loved you even half as much as your Mom does. (Not that your not loveable, just that lady is crazy 'bout you!) And we can all see why! Keep up the good dashie work!

[PattyInAK]

I can't believe its been 9 years since you got Hallie.  Loved seeing all the photos of your dad and family.

[Leslie]

 :heart:  awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.   

I read the whole post and spent some time lookin' at the pictures.  You have been blessed in many ways. Thanks for sharing all the great stories and pictures.  What month Hallie was born in?  ('cause Zuzu was born in January 2001.)

big  for all the loved ones who are no longer with us.